The Arthritis Society of Ontario lists Lupus as a type of Arthritis it provides the following information on Lupus:
Monday, April 20, 2009
AdvoKit Canada
AdvoKit is a Support Resource provided on the Lupus Canada Website. It outlines support and services that people living with Lupus need, shows how they can advocate for them selves or how others can advocate on their behalf, Outlines how they can take charge of their lives and their health, and teaches them about their rights and entitlements.
Could I have Lupus? Real Women. Real Stories. Real Hope
Please Click on this link to take you to this great website by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. You can get great facts on Lupus, participate in discussion forums, read women's Lupus diaries and Create your own to share your story.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Basics for Better Living Continued
Don't Smoke!
-Tobacco smoke contains an aromatic amine, hydrazine, which can cause flares of cutaneous lupus.
-Smoking worsens the symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers and/or toes turn blue or white when cold)
-Smoking impairs circulation to a greater extent in people with lupus than in otherwise healthy people.
Develop Preventive Coping Strategies
Don't Let The Weather "Psych You Out"
People with lupus are sensitive to changes in barometric pressure. If the weather goes from hot to cold or wet to dry, you might be a bit achier. This will pass. The best climate for lupus patients is one with the fewest changes in the barometer.
Control Fatigue
Fatigue in lupus is caused by inflammation, anemia (deficiency in the oxygen-carrying materials in the blood), and chemicals known as cytokines, among other sources. In order to help reduce your fatigue:
-Pace yourself with periods of activity alternating with periods of rest.
-Remember: Patients who stay in bed all day only become weaker.
-On the other hand, supermoms and dads who put in a 20-hour day without a break can cause their disease to flare.
Develop A Good Doctor-Patient Relationship
It's very important that your physician is accessible and will take the time to discuss disease management issues. For instance:
-Will your physician tell you if pregnancy is advisable or not, whether or not to take birth control pills, which antibiotics you need to be careful with?
-Will your physician write a jury duty letter or fill out a disability form if needed?
In return, it's vital that you, as the patient:
-prepare for and keep your appointments
-be honest with your physician
-take medication as prescribed
-respect their time.
It would also be helpful to plan ahead and decide what to do in case of an emergency.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Basics for Better Living Continued
When You Hurt, Apply Heat
- Moist heat soothes painful joints much better than dry heat.
- Soaking in a hot tub, sauna, jacuzzi or taking a hot shower is useful.
- Ice or cold applications, are advisable only for acute strains or injuries during the first 36 hours after injury
General Conditioning Exercises
You can help prevent muscle atrophy, or wasting, and lower your risk for developing thin bones (osteoporosis) with these types of activities:
walking
swimming
low impact aerobics
bicycling
However, if your joints are swollen or you have fibromyalgia, be careful before doing a lot of weight lifting, rowing, high impact aerobics, or engaging in tennis, bowling or golf.
If exercise tires you easily, pace yourself with frequent rest periods.
Consult A Rehabilitation Specialist
Physical therapists assist patients with:
muscle strengthening programs
exercises
gait training.
Occupational therapists help to:
lower stresses to painful areas
evaluate workstations (especially those with a computer) to ensure proper body mechanics
recommend a variety of assistive devices.
Vocational rehabilitation counselors may train you for a job that:
involves less sun exposure
puts less emphasis on repetitive motions involving an inflamed hand or other parts of the body.
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